Just a few days ago New Orleans St. Augustine offensive lineman Joseph Paul went from an unknown in most Oklahoma recruiting circles to a Sooners commitment. The massive 6-foot-4, 340-pound lineman, who had been a commitment to Florida in the spring and summer, had long been a player the Sooners were keeping an eye on but were never truly involved with.

Their attention went a step further when they offered Paul in late December and then had Paul, along with fellow Oklahoma offer Courtney Garnett, to one of the Sooners practices in New Orleans in the lead-up to the Sugar Bowl.

"I went by a practice and liked it but I know the history of the program and the kind of guys they put out. I forgot some of the guys but coach was telling me guys like Trent Williams and I was there with Davin Joseph and we talked for a while," Paul recalled.